It’s a rare occasion indeed when government at any level relinquishes control. Rules, regulations and enforcement are the job security of politicians and bureaucrats.

But loosening government’s grip on the telecommunications business is exactly what Rep. Mike Hager proposes to do in House Bill 664.

A Gastonia native who now represents Cleveland and counties to the west, Hager has signed on to sponsor the Cell Tower Deployment Act. If passed, the bill will free Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and other telecommunications companies of pesky restrictions that ultimately lead to poor customer service.

Currently, government restrictions make wireless transmission towers an extremely high-dollar investment for the companies – and investment that doesn’t make good business sense.

That means poor service in areas where towers are sparse. Cell phone users can’t get a signal to make or receive calls. Law enforcement officers, patrolling in those areas, aren’t only cut off from using cell phones, they also can’t add or retrieve information on the computers in their patrol cars.

Wireless communication is no longer a luxury. It’s the way the world works.

Wireless connections are a necessity in the personal lives of North Carolinians, in business and for the public’s safety.

These two know the importance of speedy communications for officers in the field while investigating crime or working to prevent it.

An increasing number of individuals are abandoning their “land lines” and choosing cell phone connectivity only. With fewer government restrictions, companies can provide better customer service.

Better customer service leads to more customers, improved company finances and a better return on the investment of shareholders.

Among the ridiculous restrictions that House Bill 664 will remove is the inability of telecommunications companies to share signal towers.

If companies find it in their interest to partner on infrastructure, why should the government forbid it?

It shouldn’t.

Rep. Hager is right to use his office to free businesses from senseless and burdensome restrictions.

House Bill 664 is a good start. There are many other opportunities to get government out of business in North Carolina, too. Such action can go a long way toward improving the state’s economy and the economic prosperity of businesses and individuals.

Rep. Hager’s bill has passed in the House and is expected to come before the Senate this week.

It deserves swift approval and a speedy trip across the governor’s desk.